The 2025 NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) season is about to kick off, and once again, the league boasts a strong presence of openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual athletes. Unlike many other professional sports leagues, the NWSL continues to set an example of inclusivity and representation for the LGBTQ community.

A League of Inclusivity and Pride

The visibility of LGBTQ athletes in women's soccer is a powerful reminder of the progress made in sports and society. The NWSL stands out for creating a safe space where players can live authentically and thrive professionally. This openness not only empowers the players but also inspires countless fans worldwide.

Trailblazers and Legends

Some of the league’s most renowned players are part of the LGBTQ community. For example, Marta, widely considered one of the greatest women’s soccer players of all time, is engaged to her Orlando Pride teammate, Carrie Lawrence. The couple made history together by winning the 2024 NWSL Championship.

Carly Nelson, another standout athlete, has become a beacon of hope within her community. As a gay Mormon, Nelson's 2019 coming-out story on Outsports has encouraged LGBTQ individuals in her faith to embrace their identity. Her courage highlights the broader cultural impact athletes can have beyond the soccer field.

The Current Landscape: NWSL vs. MLS

While the NWSL continues to champion inclusivity, the contrast with men’s Major League Soccer (MLS) is stark. As of now, the MLS has no publicly out athletes, despite having had two in the past. This disparity underscores the unique culture of acceptance in women’s soccer and serves as a call for more openness in men's sports.

Why Visibility Matters

Seeing openly LGBTQ athletes on the field is more than just representation—it’s a lifeline for young fans who may be struggling with their identity. Public figures living openly and proudly demonstrate that authenticity and success can go hand in hand. It also fosters a broader culture of acceptance among fans and within the sports community.

Meet the 25 Openly LGBTQ NWSL Players of 2025

• Adriana (Orlando Pride) - A silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics with Brazil.https://www.instagram.com/p/Czv-ny-r4CD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0a4b7c7b-eb8e-474f-abf7-39a653efa115&img_index=1
• Hannah Betfort (North Carolina Courage) - Got engaged to her girlfriend in 2024.https://www.instagram.com/p/DBiJkGBp7g6/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a9c32537-3cf2-4447-a000-d0b182ca816b
• Jane Campbell (Houston Dash) - Married to retired pro soccer player Christine Nairn.https://www.instagram.com/p/C1R-00XOaud/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e0e722fc-e60f-4986-8148-7d5db6ccfe14
• Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC) - Engaged to her girlfriend in 2023; USWNT player since 2018.https://www.instagram.com/p/DGEb5nnx2GZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=5dd97d32-436f-430c-af79-798065da5476
• Debinha (Kansas City Current) - A Brazil National Team player since 2011.https://www.instagram.com/p/DBzGw5svkKI/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d7fed086-7889-4cd1-92ff-102d6634e1a4
• Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign FC) - Played for the Welsh National Team for two decades.https://www.instagram.com/p/C04-ibEA8J5/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3a2d9397-7ae6-43b0-8335-6ab0f494f14b
• Adrianna Franch (Free Agent) - On the USWNT since 2019, last played for Kansas City Current.https://www.instagram.com/p/C5JUSk-LlDx/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=7a3778f0-314b-4746-9957-2cd2f3a347bd
• Kristen Hamilton (Kansas City Current) - Known for her honesty about past relationships.https://www.instagram.com/p/DBXd01EMQ9e/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=eda6eb93-67b7-4e2d-b88f-ae401af96ae2
• DiDi Haracic (Angel City FC) - An Athlete Ally Ambassador, promoting inclusivity in sports.https://www.instagram.com/p/DDvk6AjA-xr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f8be275a-390b-4a03-8db1-3432b9fd734b&img_index=1
• Angharad James-Turner (Seattle Reign FC) - Married to British pro player Amy James-Turner.https://www.instagram.com/p/DE7rcRRPHON/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=72ed6fc3-e727-406e-9a2b-cf4f9eb22585&img_index=1
• Tziarra King (Free Agent) - Married to fellow NWSL player Jess Fishlock.https://www.instagram.com/p/C2BYl3rpimk/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=da7c05c8-6520-4d86-bbf4-3b1e40bd94c3&img_index=1
• CeCe Kizer (NJ/NY Gotham FC) - Engaged to marry Alyssa Delsanter.https://www.instagram.com/p/DCuafq_xzlt/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=aec13ae4-d315-41cc-b02e-f1693bd233dd
• Maitane López (Chicago Red Stars) - Dating retired pro player Sinead Farrelly.https://www.instagram.com/p/DDM29QHRI2v/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a259e9be-f305-4a9b-b5e4-565a5cca8c64
• Cassie Miller - Married her wife in December 2024.https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGESyumSgcK/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=74ab22fc-becc-44bd-a2ce-6165cceecec3
• Paige Nielsen (Houston Dash) - Tied the knot in 2022.https://www.instagram.com/p/C2bNYXKpQLz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=752970fc-cb82-4503-8814-53032a50194c&img_index=1
• Carson Pickett (Orlando Pride) - Previously in a relationship with Abby Erceg.https://www.instagram.com/p/C9S-uTKS5yy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=86a19e27-1d60-4249-bea9-1228a4555a51
• Madison Pogarch (Utah Royals) - Engaged to Christen Westphal.https://www.instagram.com/p/DBcduQaSf0_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=3324060b-f478-4dad-b574-2c452de86b79
• Christen Press (Angel City FC) - Revealed an 8-year relationship with Tobin Heath.https://www.instagram.com/p/DED-l30yBgR/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=dfb4979b-044d-41b1-bb07-6d5292c2d7e7&img_index=1
• Sarah Puntigam (Houston Dash) - Plays for Austria and is married to Genessee Puntigam.https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce0mTAhhSnZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=396939f9-2768-4b82-b158-b418ff2f5e31&img_index=1
• Felicitas Rauch (North Carolina Courage) - A decade-long career with the German National Team.https://www.instagram.com/p/DATn45GRhzW/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=843694dd-05cc-48a4-b03a-980553792a92
• Kailen Sheridan (San Diego Wave) - An Olympic champion with Canada.https://www.instagram.com/p/DFYMd0ySISg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6c8b2bda-a185-43b1-9432-1d4e25e85569

Christen Westphal (Houston Dash) - Engaged to Madison Pogarch.https://www.instagram.com/p/C7m1UYLSi9b/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=81687a68-4f76-4559-af86-a45e78c4a8cd

Practical Advice for LGBTQ Athletes

If you’re an LGBTQ athlete, coming out can be daunting. Here are some practical tips:

• Find Your Support System: Connect with teammates, friends, or organizations that support you.
• Come Out on Your Terms: There is no right or wrong way to share your identity—do what feels right for you.
• Be a Role Model: Your openness can inspire others, just like Carly Nelson's story did for LGBTQ Mormons.
• Advocate for Inclusivity: Use your platform to push for positive change within your sport and community.

Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity in Sports

The NWSL continues to lead the way in fostering an inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ athletes. The 25 players highlighted here are more than just exceptional athletes—they are trailblazers who remind us all of the power of living openly and authentically. As the new season unfolds, their stories will inspire fans and pave the way for even greater acceptance in sports.

Whether you’re a sports fan or an aspiring athlete, remember that authenticity is a strength, not a weakness. The courage shown by these players can encourage others to step into their truth, both on and off the field.